The intravenous self-administration of antihistamines by rhesus monkeys

Drug Alcohol Depend. 1992 Jun;30(2):117-26. doi: 10.1016/0376-8716(92)90016-6.

Abstract

Rhesus monkeys were trained to lever press for infusions of cocaine during daily, 1-h experimental sessions. Following stabilization of the cocaine-maintained baselines, various antihistamines were substituted for cocaine to determine whether they would be self-administered. The results indicated that all monkeys tested self-administered tripelennamine and chlorpheniramine. One monkey out of the four self-administered pyrilamine, but only at a single (300 microgram/kg) high dose. Phenyltoloxamine, cimetidine and hydroxyzine were not self-administered. These results further illuminate differences amongst H1 antagonists in their potential for self-administration and, when examined in context with other reports, suggest that stimulant-like properties may help mediate their reinforcing effects when present.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Benzhydryl Compounds / administration & dosage
  • Benzhydryl Compounds / toxicity
  • Chlorpheniramine / administration & dosage
  • Chlorpheniramine / toxicity
  • Cimetidine / administration & dosage
  • Cimetidine / toxicity
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Histamine H1 Antagonists / administration & dosage*
  • Histamine H1 Antagonists / toxicity
  • Hydroxyzine / administration & dosage
  • Hydroxyzine / toxicity
  • Macaca mulatta
  • Male
  • Motivation
  • Pyrilamine / administration & dosage
  • Pyrilamine / toxicity
  • Self Administration
  • Substance-Related Disorders / etiology*
  • Tripelennamine / administration & dosage
  • Tripelennamine / toxicity

Substances

  • Benzhydryl Compounds
  • Histamine H1 Antagonists
  • Hydroxyzine
  • Tripelennamine
  • Chlorpheniramine
  • Cimetidine
  • Pyrilamine
  • phenyltoloxamine